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Wednesday, August 24, 2011

DIY Lamp Shades - Pottery Barn Knockoffs

Remember my thrift store lamps made over that I needed shades for? Well, I found shades I really liked but I did NOT like the price tag. They were from Pottery Barn but are not available any longer. I don't remember for sure but I think they were $89. Apiece. And I needed 2. No absolutin', tootin' way! A little DIY later......

Original version from Pottery Barn: (above) and my DIY version: (below)

When I began brainstorming how I could get these shades without paying the price, I first thought to find drum shades and recover them. However, I couldn't find a pair of shades in the size I needed. Enter lampshade parts, drop cloth, and paint pens. I tore the drop cloth into the size I needed and pressed it smooth.

Using masking tape, I masked off the lines and took a paint pen and filled in the spaces. Then I took spray adhesive and attached the drop cloth to the lamp shades I had made. I used a hot glue gun to fasten the edges up underneath and VIOLA! here is the finished product.

Price breakdown as follows:
Lamp shade parts: $35 (1/3 of that was shipping!)
Drop cloth: $5 (I used half of $9.98)
Paint pen and miscellaneous: $5
Total: $45 for BOTH lamp shades or about $23 apiece.

23 comments:

Amazing! You take on tasks that would simply floor me. I am in the same catagory as to photography skills, but, I am so thankful to have a simple camera to put into pictures what I am, at least, thinking. Great job!

This is so gorgeous! I am re-doing my master bedroom (on the cheap, of course), and this would be great for our lampshade. Thanks for sharing it! I love your windmill photo. I grew up on a farm, so it brings back memories! I'm following your blog now.

Rachel, I just followed your link from FJI. I love these shades! I've looked a long time for some drum shades & can't find the right size either. Can you please give us more detail on how you made lampshade base? Did you actually make the base or buy them? Thanks!

Rachel, thanks for blogging for me today!! I love having you as my guest... here is the link to your post.... http://wwwglimpseofmyworld.blogspot.com/2011/09/guest-blogger-friday-come-on-in-door-is.html

Olde Farmhouse Esty Store

Our Farmhouse

I love antiques. Our 100+ year old farm house is no exception. Lots of character here. But, as you can imagine, lots of room for improvement. We are continuing the improvements as time and money afford. I will post our progress.